Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin During Umrah and Hajj with wund+™ Regeneration Cream

Hajj and Umrah are attended by millions of Muslims from all over the world every year. Maintaining good health and stamina during the journey is crucial, especially since interacting with many people increases the risk of disease transmission.

In addition, the hot, dry, and dusty weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, along with extreme temperature fluctuations, can reduce stamina and affect skin health.

Sun exposure makes the skin dry, cracked, irritated, and even prone to minor infections. Meanwhile, the intense worship activities often cause blisters on the hands and feet.

Apart from stamina and immunity, skin health is also an important factor that is often overlooked. Weather changes, busy activities, and environmental exposure during Hajj or Umrah make the skin more vulnerable to problems.

Therefore, understanding the various common skin problems experienced by pilgrims can help prevent discomfort and maintain the solemnity of worship.

Common skin health problems during umrah/hajj

1. Dermatitis (skin problem)

Dermatitis is often experienced by pilgrims, especially those with obesity or diabetes. This condition is characterized by inflammation and redness in the folds of the thighs, armpits, or under the breasts. Sweat trapped in body folds can cause itching, stinging, and even fungal infections.

Prevention:

• Ensure air circulation in body folds (upper thighs, armpits).
• Maintain hygiene by bathing regularly to remove sweat.
• Dry body folds properly so they don’t stay damp.
• Use wund+™ Regeneration Cream before activities or long walks.

To help protect the skin, wund+™ Regeneration Cream can be a practical option. This cream is formulated with 7 key ingredients:

• Panthenol, urea, glycerin, sodium lactate: maintain skin hydration to prevent dryness or cracking, especially during sa’i under the hot sun.
• Shea butter: locks in moisture and nourishes the skin.
• Allantoin: soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and accelerates skin regeneration.
• Zinc and microsilver: mild antimicrobial properties, help maintain skin cleanliness and reduce infection risk.
• Dimethicone: protects the skin and maintains moisture.

Usage tips: Apply a thin layer on dry or irritation-prone areas such as the face, hands, elbows, heels, or foot folds. Use after ablution and before bedtime for maximum results, as the skin regenerates more optimally during rest.

2. Sunburn

Intense sun exposure can cause the skin to turn red, inflamed, and even blister with fluid. This condition increases the risk of infection and makes worship uncomfortable.

Treatment steps:

• Avoid direct sun exposure by staying in the shade or indoors except during worship.
• Take a cool shower to relieve heat, then gently pat the skin while leaving slight moisture.
• Apply moisturizer or aloe vera-based products to soothe sunburned skin.
• Take pain relievers if swelling or discomfort occurs.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Wear clothing that covers the sunburned area.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, 20 minutes before going outside.

3. Fungal infections

Fungal infections, such as ringworm (tinea cruris), often occur among pilgrims due to high temperatures, excessive sweating, and crowding.

Symptoms include round patches with darker edges than the center. This disease spreads easily through skin contact, contaminated clothing, or towels.

Care tips:

• Use antifungal medication as prescribed by a doctor.
• Always wash hands after touching the infected area.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Use separate towels for the infected part of the body.
• Avoid clothing or footwear that increases sweating.
• Change clothes daily, wash with hot soapy water, and do not share personal items.

General health protection for pilgrims

In addition to maintaining skin health, Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are also required to follow vaccination policies to prevent infectious diseases, such as Meningococcal meningitis (mandatory for all pilgrims) and Polio (for travelers from affected countries).

Besides the two vaccines required for Indonesian pilgrims, there are several vaccines also recommended for prospective pilgrims, such as:

1. COVID-19 vaccine (at least one booster as regulated in Indonesia).
2. Influenza vaccine.
3. Other preventive vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), poliomyelitis, chickenpox).

The pilgrimage of Hajj and Umrah requires physical, mental, and skin health readiness. With proper care, including the use of skin protection products such as wund+™ Regeneration Cream, pilgrims can avoid common skin problems during worship.

This extra protection helps maintain comfort, so worship can be carried out more solemnly and peacefully.